School Safety

Saint John police are putting a new focus on school zone safety as students return to classrooms across the city.

The police service has launched a school zone safety program to support the safe arrival of students who walk, cycle or are driven to school.

Officers will increase patrols and monitor school zones to ensure drivers follow traffic laws and to improve public safety.

Police point to national data that highlights ongoing risks around schools.

A 2019 poll from the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) found nearly one quarter of drivers reported seeing a near miss or collision in a school zone, and more than half of those incidents involved a child.

CAA also reported that nearly half of Canadians said they had witnessed a distracted driver in a school zone.

Saint John police is reminding motorists to slow down in residential areas, school zones and playgrounds.

Drivers are also being asked to stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, follow the directions of crossing guards, and use designated drop‑off areas so children can exit vehicles away from traffic.

“Traffic safety is especially important in school zones because children are more vulnerable and less predictable than adults, requiring more vigilance by drivers,” Chief Robert Bruce said in the release.

“Keeping our children safe in school zones is not an option, it is mandatory.”

Anyone who sees suspicious activity in a school zone can contact the Saint John police at 506‑648‑3333.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers by phone, online or through the P3 Tips app.